My name is Katie Kleist and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when I was 20 years old.
To be given such a devastating diagnosis during my college years, I found it easier to deny the whole picture of what my future was to look like and inevitably become.
My symptoms were mildly present, but growing more and more physically uncomfortable. Even so, I continued to do my best to minimize any inquiries people may have had. At the time, it was extremely overwhelming and depressing for me to even think about having a diagnosis that I always thought of affecting the elderly population. Additionally, I had no family history of Parkinson's. This added to my 20ish year old confused mentality.
Through the years, I continued to be in a state of denial. I sought out several opinions throughout my 20's, some of which included Mayo Clinic and a holistic doctor who diagnosed me with mercury toxicity. The diagnosis of mercury toxicity was something I held on to for several years. This was a much easier diagnosis for me to share with people whenever they inquired.
At age 27, I married my college sweetheart. A year later, I fulfilled my lifelong dream and became a first-time mom. It was a very physically challenging 9 months, but I was able to work up until the day I had my son, while being off of my medication. Three years later, I obtained my second lifetime goal and had my second son.
This time, however, I was very grateful to have been a stay-at-home mom because walking became difficult for me and I overall suffered from physical limitations being off my medication yet again. The three year differences of disease progression from being off of my medications were very interesting for me to put into perspective. Within those three years, it became evident to me that my symptoms had significantly progressed.
It has been 17 years since my initial diagnosis and because I have completely committed myself to exercise and Rock Steady Boxing, I have been able to accept my PD and feel safe in my own body.
After years of struggling, I decided that it was time for me to fight back and exercise and Rock Steady Boxing has allowed me to do this. My boys are now 9 and 7 and I am feeling better than I ever have. Exercising has strengthened my mind and body and has helped me gain the confidence I need to fight back against my symptoms.
